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Seven-Year-Old Boy Wakes Screaming And Crying

by Anonymous

My son is a typical seven-year-old boy who is generally a happy child. However as parents my husband and I have found ourselves at a loss for what to do to help our son. At night we put him to bed between 8:30 and 9:00 PM only for him to awaken screaming, crying, and sweating, yet he can't tell us what he's screaming about.


He has even gotten up mumbling things that don't make sense and stumbled back to bed, then when we ask him about it the next day he has no recollection of it ever happening. This can occur three to five nights a week, causing him to feel tired the next day and to want to go to bed earlier.

I was married before to a man whose child was labeled ADHD, OCD, and odd. He dealt with many child psychologists and child protective services because the school didn't understand his behavior.

As I know the signs and symptoms of ADHD I know this not to be an issue with my son yet. I worry they could mislabel my son since so many young boys are plagued with ADHD. My son acts fine and his behavior isn't bad, he's just tired because it seems his body isn't going into the sleep realm.

I've mentioned this to his doctor before to have his sleep issues blamed on caffeine or sugar. We took him off of all caffeine and limited sugar for quite a while and it did not make a difference. I'm at a loss for what to do. Any suggestions?

Comments for Seven-Year-Old Boy Wakes Screaming And Crying

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Sep 12, 2015
You May Want To Look Into Sleep Terrors
by: Kevin

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your story with us, and we hope your son experiences better sleep soon.

You may find some helpful information in the EYSD article on sleep terrors. Best wishes for your family.

Nov 03, 2015
Same situation NEW
by: Tracie

You have described my 8yr old daughter to a T. She often "wakes" freaking out about something but is so incoherent that we struggle to understand her. She gets up exhausted the next morning oblivious to it all.

Dec 09, 2015
I feel your frustration! NEW
by: Anonymous

My daughter who is now almost 8 years old has been doing this ever since she was 2! It's not as often, maybe once a month, but sometimes more frequently. I'm actually dealing with this tonight! She has been dealing with some sinus issues which is making her throat hurt and she was crying for about an hour straight before bed so I believe that triggered the episode tonight. I don't have any advice for you, as I am trying to research advice right now and stumbled upon your story. Just know that you are not alone!

Feb 10, 2016
Artificial dye NEW
by: Anonymous

I hope I'm not too late to the game, but your children are allergic to artificial dye. Remove dye from their diets. You'll see miracles!

Apr 26, 2016
artificial dye? NEW
by: Anonymous

intrigued, can you tell me more?

Oct 02, 2016
8 years old wakeup crying NEW
by: Anonymous

My 8 years old daughter is having exactly the same problem. please post the answer to that dilemma, if anyone finds it.

Jan 20, 2017
My son has the same issue. :( NEW
by: Anonymous

Its not always screaming. But my generally happy well loved five year old will whimper whine and cry some nights multiple times. I turn on the light in parent mode and ask him what's wrong. He will reply nothing. So then I ask, why are u crying? Then incoherent babbling. I don't get it and I'm worried about the poor little guy. Its frustrating to me, but its not like I blame him. But it keeps me up too some nights.

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